The Victorian Chautauqua Festival

WHERE HISTORY LIVES!

Step back in time at the Victorian Chautauqua Festival in the heart of Mountain Lake Park's Historic District. Enjoy live performances, lectures, and music under three large tents, plus activities for the entire family. The weekend event celebrates the history of Mountain Lake Park, founded in 1881 as Maryland's original Chautauqua resort community. Tour the Historic District on guided Trolley Tours, ride in a ModelT on Saturday, or take Carriage Rides on Sunday. Shop among the curated Artisan Row pop-up shops, commission an authentic Tintype Photograph in costume, have your Silhouette hand cut in minutes, or chat with the High-Wheel cyclist. Come dressed in your Victorian finest attire and become part of the experience.

KID-TAUQUA

If you want to keep the little ones busy, Kid-Tauqua programming and the Splash Pad offer hours of play while you enjoy immersing yourself in the past. The family will see live music, storytelling, and a robotics demonstration. Two workshops will introduce playing the guitar and making puppets. And don't forget to make time for a memorable program from the Crellin Elementary School Steel Drum Band.

VAUDEVILLE IN THE STREET

For the second season, Vaudeville In The Street features live music and unusual acts. The showstopping troupe from Black Magic Circus will return with seven cameo appearances, including fire and flow dance, hula hoop, magic, and sword swallowing. The 30-minute performances in the round unfold at the festival midway near the Ticket Office Museum.

Look forward to hearing steel drums, classical guitar, and period music from the early 1900s. The interactive stage allows an up-close and personal experience.

TICKET OFFICE MUSEUM

Take some time to tour the recently updated Ticket Office Museum and Gift Shop. You can learn the story of Mountain Lake Park's rise to a nationally acclaimed resort destination at the turn of the last century. The comprehensive exhibition includes notable people, places, and the charm of a simpler life built around railroad travelers.

FOOD VENDORS

Start off your day with an aromatic cup of coffee from Steeple City Coffee, and enjoy some of your favorite treats like pulled pork barbeque by D's Eats, hand-dipped ice cream from Lakeside Creamery, hand-pressed lemonade from the GaCo Robotics Team, and unforgettable hand-cut french fries from The Oakland Rotary.

Visit the Victorian Chautauqua website for more information and become a subscriber to get updates as the festival grows near.